Given the recent harsh weather with snow, ice and hard frosts making their wintry appearance (certainly not as bad as 1963 though) there was much social media debate beforehand on (a) whether to venture and out, and (b) if one did, where to go safely!
Anyway, eight hardy souls appeared in Kings Square for 0900 hrs. One decided to do his own thing. Two more decided to do a low level shorter ride and five set off on the Tempo ride with the plan to stay on main roads if side roads proved to be too icy and dicey. We had new comrade; a chap from Imjin Barracks. He appeared last week but he, and Ian, decided the weather was too inclement and they both retreated home to cycle another day.
Well, he who dares and all that…turning off the A48 after Chaxhill with some caution proved to be a sound decision . We followed the published route, which all can see, through Flaxley (some ice but all safely negotiated), Mitcheldean, up Stenders, Drybrook, Ruardean (where the inventor of the drink, Horlicks, originates from), Lydbrook, Broadwell to the coffee stop; Hopewell Colliery. Now, the cream and jam scones were excellent with the middle ingredients mixed up to help ensure Cornish and Devon sensitivities were not offended. One rider graciously handed out late Christmas presents to his fellow riders; socks and Dancey points all round!! “Chapeau” to him for the extra miles he does.
Home was via Cannop, Parkend and Littledean to the A48. All in all, a grand day out employing the adage “winter miles, summer smiles”!!
52 miles, 3,600 ft climbed and 14.5 mph average
ES.